Canadian Symbols — What Makes Canada, Canada

🏛️ Since 1873

The RCMP

Institution

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police — the Mounties — are Canada's national police force and one of its most iconic symbols. Founded in 1873 to police the Northwest Territories, their red serge uniform is recognized worldwide.

💡 The RCMP Musical Ride — a choreographed equestrian performance — has been performed since 1876 and tours the world as a Canadian ambassador.

🏛️ Since 1964

Tim Hortons

Institution

Tim Hortons is more than a coffee chain — it is a Canadian cultural institution. Founded in 1964 by hockey player Tim Horton, it serves 5 million customers daily and its double-double (two creams, two sugars) is a Canadian language staple.

💡 There are more Tim Hortons per capita in Canada than McDonald's — one location for every 9,000 Canadians.

🏛️ Since 1987

The Loonie

Institution

Canada's one-dollar coin, nicknamed the "Loonie" for the common loon depicted on it, was introduced in 1987 to replace the paper dollar. The two-dollar coin introduced in 1996 became the "Toonie."

💡 The master dies for the original Loonie were lost in transit and never found. The Royal Canadian Mint had to create new ones for subsequent production.